The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has launched a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalising Igbo culture, ensuring institutional longevity, and fostering economic self-sufficiency. The ambitious plan includes significant financial investments in academic research and the creation of new development-focused entities.
Major Investments in Cultural Preservation and Development
The President-General of Ohanaeze, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, made the revelations during the organisation's Imeobi meeting at the International Conference Centre on 25 December 2025. He presented a one-year stewardship report outlining these transformative initiatives.
A cornerstone of the plan is the establishment of professorial chairs dedicated to Igbo language, history, and culture. Azuta-Mbata disclosed that N35 million in start-up grants has been earmarked for this academic project. He confirmed that seven such chairs—one in a university in each of the seven Ohanaeze states—have already been endowed, with applications from qualified professors currently under review.
"This is not just an academic intervention, but a strategic investment in cultural preservation, intellectual renaissance and the safeguarding of our identity for future generations through rigorous research and scholarship," Azuta-Mbata stated. "We are ensuring that the Igbo narrative is documented, defended and dignified."
To secure sustainable funding and efficient administration, the President-General announced the formation of two new bodies: the Alaigbo Development Company and the Ndigbo Development Foundation. Both entities are set to receive a combined N50 million start-up grant before the end of 2025.
New Headquarters and Calls for Unity
Reviewing his first year in office, Azuta-Mbata reported that the construction of the new Ohanaeze national headquarters in Enugu is almost finished. He described the building as a monumental step towards providing a proper administrative base and a lasting institutional legacy.
"It is our plan to incorporate a museum of Igbo music, art and culture within the premises, making it a centre where Igbo artefacts and cultural items can be found," he added.
The Imeobi meeting, which symbolised renewal and collective resolve, also featured strong voices from prominent Igbo leaders. Renowned political economist Pat Utomi urged Igbos to clearly define their place within Nigeria. He stressed the necessity of a level playing field, strict adherence to the rule of law, and the protection of property rights as foundations for wealth creation.
"If you don’t have a society that preserves the rights of people to own property, you will always be vulnerable," Utomi warned, advocating for principle-driven political leadership in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, emphasised the critical need for Igbo unity and collective action to tackle shared challenges, urging the people to speak with one voice.
Addressing 'Igbo Phobia' and Global Cultural Push
Professor of Political Economy at Nasarawa State University, Jideofor Adibe, identified a deep-seated "Igbo phobia"—a sense of exclusion tracing back to colonial times—as a core challenge. He proposed a new charter for Ohanaeze, insisting that Igbo identity must drive self-preservation and development.
Adibe issued a compelling call to Igbo creatives, urging musicians, artists, and filmmakers to aggressively project Igbo culture on global platforms like Netflix. He cautioned that cultural regression would continue without such deliberate steps.
He further advised the Igbo to build strategic alliances with other regions and to channel youth energy positively by developing strong, inclusive economies.
The historic gathering was attended by a host of dignitaries, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, and the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe.
